Wine lockers are a popular community amenity at the Kent Place Residences, which attracts 55+ buyers in Englewood, Colo.

Four strategic thinkers (and doers) specializing in the 55+ housing market talked about today’s buyer in the Spring issue of the and what builders need to do to attract more buyers to their projects. Below is an excerpt from that conversation. You can to the magazine to read the entire story and other features in the latest issue.

Most marketers know never to underestimate the importance of a detailed, graphics-rich website for their new home communities – but it’s even more important now, said Betsy Sheppard, president and CEO of .

“Today’s 55+ home buyers are armed with mobile phones, iPads and social media tools, and they know how to use them. They look for how companies are rated and how people commented about their products and services. They are knowledgeable and informed when they enter the sales center, and the agent needs to be ready to demonstrate and deliver on what technology and social media has promised.”

They are seeking convenience, experiences and value, said Jeff McQueen, president of . These shoppers “are looking for a community that goes beyond a quality home and inviting neighborhood. More than ever, 55+ buyers are placing importance in events, programming and amenity activation within a club over the size of the spaces within the building,” he said.

“Today’s 55+ home buyer is seeking home designs that are conducive to their immediate needs like extra workspaces, suites or casitas separate from main living areas or split floor plans that can be easily transformed for new uses in the years to come.”

“They are free to select their next home based on amenities, location, price and other factors,” said Jim Chapman, president of . “They want to live in a community that suits their needs, often near a major city, but not necessarily in the city.”

“They want something new and fresh and fun,” said Manny Gonzalez, principal of . “While some may still want to live in the large-scale, age-qualified master plans we have been building since the 1960s, most are looking for something different, something that gives them social opportunities beyond the community gates.”

However, an increasing number of buyers aren’t willing to sink all the equity from their current home, let alone a significant chunk of their savings, into their new ones. “Many 55+ homebuyers either cannot or choose not to spend a half-million dollars or more on a new home,” Chapman said.

“There is tremendous opportunity to provide these buyers with high quality homes in a price point ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Today’s buyer wants to sell their existing home and keep some of the cash to enjoy, rather than investing all of it back into a home.”

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Comments (2)

I think we have to be careful to refer to “this demographic” as one homogeneous group. Consumers who would be eligible for an Active Adult Lifestyle Community don’t fall into big generalized categories. They fall into micro-segments that, defined well, would enable an agile builder to speak to their needs more relevantly. Some people want to be grand parent support systems, others want to start their new business and some would like to continue with work that is meaningful to them or integrate education back into their lifestyle. The idea that people over 55 want a resort lifestyle is dated.

All of these comments are of interest but to note that resort lifestyle is dated is not one of these points to eliminate when master planning your 55 + neighborhoods!
You must first retain companies like Metro Study to properly define the demographics, psychographics and geographic trends in the market today and tomorrow!
Outstanding research will help marketeers plan the best neighborhoods and then help the team to deliver the best product, price, promotions in the best place with and through the best people aka the 5P’s!
ONwards and UPwards!